2017 Trip

Washington, DC: Creating and Implementing Social Policy in a New Political Environment

Read an article in the Middlebury Newsroom.

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Following The Scott Center for Spiritual and Religious Life’s very successful alternative spring break trips to Montgomery, Alabama (marking the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights March), and a service/learning trip to Chicago (exploring themes of racial and social justice), this year’s trip to Washington focused on how social policy is shaped and implemented at the national level.

The group met with representatives from a wide range of both faith-based and secular NGO’s across the political spectrum. Our goal was to look at how policy is formed and influenced, particularly in areas of economic justice, education and environmental issues.

This was a unique opportunity to meet and speak with people who may hold similar or very different social views than you as we learn to speak across difference and gain perspective in a rapidly changing political landscape.

We met with several organizations, such as the following:

• American Friends Service Committee (Quaker)
• Catholic Relief Services
• Religious Action Committee of Reform Judaism
• Center for Islam and Religious Freedom
• Young Evangelicals for Climate Action

In addition, we incorporated a number of hours of hands-on community service work opportunities.

This trip was highly subsidized by a number of generous donors.